Maple Leafs-Sabres: Hearbreak in Queen City

There were chances a-plenty in tonight's Maple Leafs/Sabres tilt, and as the game wore on it became almost like a chess match.  The first mistake would likely be very costly.

Checkmate for the Sabres.

Paul Gaustad scored the game's only goal 8:56 into the third period, lifting the Sabres to a 1-0 win over Northeast rivals Toronto. The 18,690 in attendance were treated to another great game by the two teams, a game which saw many scoring chances, and even more spectacular saves.

Despite outshooting Buffalo 13-4 in the final frame, it was the Sabres who hit the back of the net. The Leafs held the advantage in shots when the game came to a close 35-20.  

It's a quick trip back to Toronto for the boys in blue and white, and a quick turnaround too. The Leafs play the New York Islanders tomorrow night at the Air Canada Centre.  Vesa Toskala will likely return for the Valentine's Day game; while Chris Simon will join the Islanders in Toronto after serving his 30-game suspension for stepping on the back of Jarkko Ruutu's foot.

The Leafs then end the week on Saturday night's Hockey Night in Canada when they play host to the Bruins.  

The balance of the Maple Leafs' schedule sees them play a lot of games against the Sabres and Bruins, meaning their fate is mostly in their hands. 

The Leafs are now 28th in the NHL, behind Tampa Bay and Los Angeles. The bottom five teams in the NHL standings at the conclusion of the regular season will go into a lottery to determine who will receive the number one draft pick in this June's entry draft. This year's draft is particularly deep, including consensus number one pick Steve Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting. The dreams of getting the first pick intensified earlier this week when Stamkos was quoted in the local Sarnia paper as saying it would be a dream to play for Toronto.

Game Thoughts

It's pretty obvious I am starting game thoughts with a comment about the goaltending. What a display by the two goalies tonight! I knew when the Maple Leafs traded for Vesa Toskala this past summer, that despite a pretty big price tag, he would give them a chance to win on most every night, and you can't really put a price tag on that.

Bit of a rough night for the young guys tonight. Robbie Earl was scratched in favor of the returning Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Anton Stralman and Jiri Tlusty really struggled tonight. In saying that though, these are the growing pains that are attributed to the learning process, and you get the feeling these guys are going to be real good for a long time.

What a crowd tonight! It's always loud in the HSBC, and when the Maple Leafs come to town, there is something special in the air. As reported on the game tonight, the arena is split about 60-40 in terms of percentage of fans in favor of Buffalo. I really hope that someday these two can meet in the playoffs again, because the atmosphere would be sensational.

Back to the young guys, particularly Tlusty. You really get the feeling that in two or three years, things are really going to happen for him. Right now—and it was really evident tonight—he is trying to force things and do some stuff that right now is out of his comfort zone a bit. But as the years go on, and the experience piles up, he is really going to make things work for him, and I think he will be a force on this team for years to come.

You have to feel for Stralman on the Sabres goal. After blowing a tire, the usually calm, collected Stralman couldn't get his bearing about him, and eventually the puck found its way in the back of the net. Give full credit to Buffalo though for creating the offense.

Another strong night for Dominic Moore (and in case you are wondering, no I am not related to the guy, I simply mention him every article because he deserves it). One of JFJ's last pick-ups as general manager, as Moore has been advertised. He works every night, never quits on plays, and his work ethic is infectious among his teammates. With the direction the team will take in the coming weeks, as well as the summer, I'm not sure if Moore fits in the team's plan, but he has delivered in the short time he has been here.

You know Mats Sundin will be seeing that fanned shot in his dreams (or nightmares) tonight. Having said that though, Sundin was strong—and really, when isn't he? Tucker had a pretty good night too, as did Blake, although they still cannot seem to bury their chances.  

All in all, you can't fault the Maple Leafs too much. They played great tonight and as the third period started, it became apparent that whoever made the first mistake would lose the game, and that is just what happened. Toronto was playing man-on-man coverage and Antropov slipped up behind the net, leading to Gaustad's goal.

Toronto Marlies Update

For those who don't follow the Maple Leafs AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, they are having a fantastic season. They are currently first in their division with 71 points, compiling a record of 33-11-1-4. Tonight they were in Hamilton taking on the Montreal Canadiens farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, and prevailed with a 5-2 victory. The two teams tangle again in Hamilton this Friday night.

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